Lin Shuyin was actually born as Yue Shuyin, a child from a small family destroyed by the war between sects. When she was only seven years old, she was rescued by Lin Xian's father and adopted as a younger sister. Since then, she had lived with the Lin family and grew up as one of them.
To honor the family that saved her, and as a formal bond, Shuyin changed her surname to Lin when she turned fifteen—a decision approved by the entire family. Although not related by blood, their relationship was very close, especially with Lin Xian, who had called her "Little Aunt" since he was a child.
"Does Little Aunt need anything else?" Lin Xian asked.
Shuyin crossed her arms and pouted. "Are you trying to get rid of me?" She puffed out her cheeks.
Lin Xian panicked, quickly waving his left hand in the air. "That's not it! I just thought maybe you had something important to do… I was worried I might be taking up your time."
His face flushed slightly, clearly anxious about upsetting Shuyin. However, her sulking expression slowly faded, replaced by a soft but triumphant giggle.
"I was just teasing you, Xian'er. You're still so easy to fool," Shuyin said with a chuckle, then gently flicked Lin Xian's forehead. "Don't worry, I won't leave until I'm sure you're doing fine."
"Would you like some tea, Little Aunt?"
Lin Shuyin nodded. "Please!"
"Wait at that table over there!" he pointed to a spot near a tree. "I'll be right back."
Lin Shuyin walked to the place Lin Xian pointed to and waited there. Meanwhile, Lin Xian entered the house to prepare tea for his Little Aunt.
They used to live in the same place, but since Lin Xian turned twelve and got engaged to Mu Yueran, he had chosen his own room. That was at Mu Yueran's request—she had said she felt jealous if Lin Xian was too close to Lin Shuyin.
Lin Shuyin was incredibly beautiful. She was like a snow angel. Her skin was very fair, she had long, straight black hair, and her blue eyes and graceful figure made her one of the most admired women in the Misty Sky Sect.
She smiled in relief seeing that Lin Xian was doing well. "I thought he had changed. But he's still the same little Xian'er I know."
***
Lin Xian returned with the tea and placed it on the table. He poured it into a small cup and handed it to his Little Aunt.
"Thank you." Lin Shuyin took it.
Lin Xian sat down and poured himself a cup as well. He smiled broadly, drank from his small cup, and set it on the table.
"How are you, Aunt?" Lin Xian asked, making small talk.
"I'm doing well. Everything has gone so smoothly that it scares me a little—feels like something bad might be around the corner," she replied as she set her cup on the table.
"I'm glad to hear you're doing well." Lin Xian looked at his Little Aunt for a while. "It's been a while since we last talked. Feels kind of nostalgic."
"It does." Suddenly, Lin Shuyin looked serious. "I heard from your father that you're reapplying as an outer disciple. Is that true?"
Lin Xian nodded. "I just told him yesterday. Turns out he already spread the word. I even told him to keep it secret."
Lin Xian didn't understand why his father often did that. No matter how small his accomplishments were, they always got broadcasted like some grand feat.
Lin Xian could imagine his father telling his Little Aunt the news.
"He must've looked excited, didn't he?"
Lin Shuyin laughed. "You really know your father. He's always like that." She paused and smiled widely. "He may seem indifferent and stern, but he really loves you. Every day he talks about what you've been doing. I know all about your progress without even seeing you myself."
Lin Xian went silent. Without realizing it, he smiled. Of course, he knew his father loved him. But his father's stern demeanor made him seem intimidating.
"He just doesn't know how to express his love. Isn't that how most fathers are?" said Lin Shuyin.
Lin Xian shrugged. "I only have one father, so I'm not really sure. But I do know he loves me."
Lin Shuyin looked relieved to hear that. She raised her cup again. Lin Xian poured her more tea. They drank again.
They talked for a long time, sharing many stories. Without realizing it, the day had turned to evening. They hadn't seen each other in a while, so they had much to catch up on.
"You have to do your best to pass the outer disciple test. I'm sure you'll make it this time. Your father said you've become stronger," said Lin Shuyin.
"Of course I'll pass."
***
After their long conversation, Lin Shuyin went home. Lin Xian was left alone, sitting in the same spot, gazing at the sky that had turned more orange.
"If I remember right, Little Aunt will be proposed to in six months by a core disciple." Lin Xian didn't know what happened to her afterward, but since then, Lin Shuyin had not been seen again. "Is she happy?"
Lin Xian shook his head. He stood up, carrying the empty teapot and two small cups in his hands. He had to believe that the marriage was the best thing for his aunt.
She was already twenty-one—a proper age for marriage. And her husband was a core disciple and the son of a grand elder. Surely, her life would be secure.
Lin Xian wanted to believe that, but somehow, there was a strange feeling in his chest. A bad premonition.
He shook his head again. "No. I mustn't think negatively. If Little Aunt had been mistreated, she would've told Father. But she didn't. That means she's fine."
Lin Xian nodded to himself. He had to believe that.
***
Qingran had been watching Lin Xian all this time. He had sat on the rooftop for hours just to observe what Lin Xian was doing. But all he saw was Lin Xian talking with Lin Shuyin.
Qingran scratched his head. "Was I wrong?" He sat with a confused expression. "Is Lin Xian really just an innocent and kind-hearted boy?"
He clicked his tongue in frustration. He wanted to find proof that Lin Xian was the one who framed Mu Tianzheng. If he could find just one piece of evidence, he would report it to the patriarch.
And Lin Xian would be sentenced to death. Unfortunately, everything he did was in vain.
"Maybe I was wrong after all." He stood up and turned around. Then he left the area.
Unknowingly, Lin Xian smiled widely from behind the window, watching him go.